Legal Definitions - i.e.

i.e.

The abbreviation i.e. stands for the Latin phrase id est, which translates to "that is."

It is used to introduce a restatement, clarification, or a more precise explanation of a preceding statement. When you see "i.e.," it signals that the information following it is equivalent to, or further defines, what was just mentioned, essentially meaning "in other words" or "specifically." It helps to make the previous point clearer or more precise.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: "The court issued a temporary injunction, i.e., a short-term order preventing the construction from proceeding until a full hearing could be held."

  Explanation: Here, "i.e." clarifies what a "temporary injunction" specifically entails in this context – a short-term order to halt construction.

• Example 2: "To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain income thresholds, i.e., their household earnings must not exceed 80% of the area median income."

  Explanation: This usage of "i.e." provides the exact definition of "income thresholds" for the program, making the requirement precise.

• Example 3: "The project requires a significant capital investment, i.e., a large sum of money used to acquire or upgrade physical assets like machinery and buildings."

  Explanation: "i.e." is used here to clarify what "capital investment" specifically refers to in a business context, explaining it as money for physical assets.